And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)
The singular suggests that each church member as an individual must add his cry of welcome, thus publicly displaying his eager longing for the second advent and his desire that others shall enjoy the blessings of Christ.
Him that heareth.
The singular number designates the individual. Men will be saved as individuals, not as churches or congregations. Salvation is strictly personal. In the NT the word translated “hear” (akouō) generally carries the thought of hearing effectively, that is, of hearing and obeying the message heard. Such is its meaning here. Only those who hear and accept the message are qualified to repeat the call. See on Matt. 7:24.
Come.
Most commentators consider this a response to the promise of Jesus in v. 12, “Behold, I come quickly.” Christ is petitioned to fulfill His promise. This is a possible interpretation. It is possible also to understand the address as an appeal to the unbelieving world to accept the gospel.
Say.
Or, “are saying,” or “keep on saying.”
Whosoever will.
The offer is universal. No one is excluded from the possibilities of salvation. Christ is a propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). The false doctrine that certain ones are elected to be lost is denied by the revelator’s statement (see on Rom. 8:29).
Bride.
Doubtless the same figure here as in ch. 21:9, 10 (see comment there).
Spirit.
The Holy Spirit, the one who energizes the Christian life of the believers, who gives them the strength to live the victorious life, to overcome the devil, and to go safely through the time of trouble.
Water of life.
Whosoever wishes to inherit immortality is invited to take of it. The living water is offered to all (see on ch. 21:6; cf. Isa. 55:1-3).